Psalms 48:4
Psalms 48:4 in Multiple Translations
For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together.
For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
For, lo, the kings assembled themselves, They passed by together.
For see! the kings came together by agreement, they were joined together.
Look at what happened when foreign kings joined forces and came to attack the city.
For lo, the Kings were gathered, and went together.
For, lo, the kings met, they passed by together,
For, behold, the kings assembled themselves, they passed by together.
For lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
My mouth shall speak wisdom: and the meditation of my heart understanding.
Many kings gathered with their armies to attack that city,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 48:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 48:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
בְּ/אַרְמְנוֹתֶ֗י/הָ
נוֹדַ֥ע
לְ/מִשְׂגָּֽב
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
בְּ/אַרְמְנוֹתֶ֗י/הָ
ʼarmôwn
H759
citadel
Prep | N-mp | Suff
נוֹדַ֥ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
לְ/מִשְׂגָּֽב
misgâb
H4869
high refuge
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 48:4
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בְּ/אַרְמְנוֹתֶ֗י/הָ
ʼarmôwn
H759
"citadel"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for a high palace or fortress, like a citadel, appears in the Bible as a place of strength and power. It is often translated as castle or palace in the KJV. This word is used to describe the strongholds of kings and rulers.
Definition: : palace citadel, palace, fortress Also means: ar.mon (אַרְמוֹן ": fortress" H0759H)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: castle, palace. Compare H2038 (הַרְמוֹן). See also: 1 Kings 16:18; Jeremiah 49:27; Psalms 48:4.
נוֹדַ֥ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
לְ/מִשְׂגָּֽב
misgâb
H4869
"high refuge"
Prep | N-ms
Misgab refers to a high place or tower that provides defense and refuge, like a fortress. It is also the name of a place in Moab, mentioned in Jeremiah 48:1. The KJV translates it as Misgab.
Definition: 1) high place, refuge, secure height, retreat 1a) stronghold 1b) refuge (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Misgab. See also: 2 Samuel 22:3; Psalms 59:18; Psalms 9:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 48:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 48:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 48:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 48:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 48:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 48:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 48:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 48:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 48:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 48:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 48:4
- Sermons on Psalms 48:4
Context — Broken Bondage
2Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King.
3God is in her citadels; He has shown Himself to be a fortress.
4For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together.
5They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror. 6Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 10:6–19 | When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob. On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country. When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. And he placed the rest of the forces under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites. “If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.” So Joab and his troops advanced to fight the Arameans, who fled before him. When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before Abishai, and they entered the city. So Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem. When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they regrouped. Hadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and went to Helam. Then the Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought against him. But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there. When all the kings who were subject to Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore. |
| 2 | Revelation 17:12–14 | The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings, along with the beast. These kings have one purpose: to yield their power and authority to the beast. They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.” |
| 3 | Revelation 20:8–9 | and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to assemble them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the seashore. And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them. |
| 4 | Isaiah 29:5–8 | But your many foes will be like fine dust, the multitude of the ruthless like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant, you will be visited by the LORD of Hosts with thunder and earthquake and loud noise, with windstorm and tempest and consuming flame of fire. All the many nations going out to battle against Ariel— even all who war against her, laying siege and attacking her— will be like a dream, like a vision in the night, as when a hungry man dreams he is eating, then awakens still hungry; as when a thirsty man dreams he is drinking, then awakens faint and parched. So will it be for all the many nations who go to battle against Mount Zion. |
| 5 | Isaiah 7:1 | Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. |
| 6 | Isaiah 8:8–10 | It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover your entire land, O Immanuel! Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ” |
| 7 | Psalms 83:2–8 | See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads. With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” For with one mind they plot together, they form an alliance against You— the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah |
| 8 | Revelation 19:20 | But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. |
| 9 | Isaiah 10:8 | “Are not all my commanders kings?” he says. |
Psalms 48:4 Summary
Psalms 48:4 tells us that the kings of the earth came together to fight against God, but they were no match for His power. This reminds us that when we try to oppose God, we will always lose, just like the kings did (as seen in Psalms 2:9). We can learn from their example and choose to trust in God's sovereignty instead, knowing that He is our strong fortress and refuge (Psalms 91:2). By putting our faith in Him, we can stand firm against the pressures of the world and trust in His goodness and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the kings assembling in Psalms 48:4?
The assembly of kings in Psalms 48:4 signifies a unified effort by earthly rulers to challenge God's authority, as seen in Psalms 2:2, where they gather against the Lord and His Anointed.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
This verse illustrates the idea that spiritual battles often involve opposition from worldly powers, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:12, where we struggle against rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm.
What can we learn from the kings' decision to advance together?
The kings' unified advance serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, and when we oppose God, we will ultimately face His judgment, as warned in Proverbs 21:30, where it says that there is no wisdom or plan against the Lord.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be unknowingly assembling with the 'kings' of this world against God's plans?
- How can I apply the lesson of the kings' failed attempt to challenge God to my own life, especially when faced with opposition or pressure to conform to worldly standards?
- In what ways can I, like the kings, be 'astounded' and 'flee in terror' when I encounter the power and majesty of God, as described in the surrounding verses of Psalms 48?
- What role does trust in God's sovereignty play in my response to the 'kings' of this world, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in His power and wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 48:4
For, lo, the kings were assembled,.... As the princes of the Philistines to seek for David, when in the strong hold of Zion, 2 Samuel 5:17; as the Ethiopians in the time of Asa, 2 Chronicles 14:9;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 48:4
For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together. For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together - `they passed utterly and altogether away.' The object of their assembling is
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 48:4
Either those kings confederate against Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20; or the Assyrian princes, whom they vain-gloriously called kings, . They passed by, in their march towards Jerusalem. Or, they passed away, i.e. departed without the success which they desired and confidently expected.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 48:4
Psalms 48:4 For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.Ver. 4. For, lo, the kings were assembled] The princes of the Philistines, 2 Samuel 5:5. Or, Sennacherib’ s princes, which were all kings, Isaiah 10:8. Oecolampadius, upon Isaiah 13:19, saith, that there were twenty and two kingdoms in Assyria; these all came with combined forces to lay Jerusalem desolate, but could not effect it. They passed by together] They could do this city (dear to God, and secured by him, the Athenians boasted that they were θεοφιλεις, beloved of God, the Hierosolymitans were surely so) no more harm than as if they had been so many wayfaring men that had passed by it with their staves in their hands.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 48:4
(4) The kings.—With the striking picture of the advance and sudden collapse of a hostile expedition that follows, comp. Isaiah 10:28-34; possibly of the very same event. The kings.—Evidently known to the writer, but, alas! matter of merest conjecture to us. Some suppose the kings of Ammon, Moab, and Edom, who attacked Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:25); others, the tributary princes of Sennacherib. In his annals, as lately deciphered, this monarch speaks of setting up tributary kings or viceroys in Chaldæa, Phoenicia, and Philistia, after conquering these countries. (See Assyrian Discoveries, by George Smith, p. 303.) Others again, referring the psalm to the time of Ahaz, understand Pekah and Rezin (2 Kings 15:37). The touches, vivid as they are, of the picture, are not so historically defined as to allow a settlement of the question. Assembled.—Used of the muster of confederate forces (Joshua 11:5). Passed by—i.e., marched by. So, according to the time reading, the LXX.
A frequent military term (Judges 11:29; 2 Kings 8:21; Isaiah 8:8). Others, “passed away,” but it is doubtful if the verb can have this meaning. Together.—Notice the parallelism, they came together, they passed by together.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 48:4
Verse 4. For, lo, the kings were assembled] Many of the neighbouring potentates, at different times, envied the prosperity of the Jewish nation, and coveted the riches of the temple; but they had no power against it till the cup of Jewish transgression was full. In vain did they assemble - confederate, and invade the land. Saw it - reconnoitered the place; marvelled at its excellence and strength, for they were troubled - struck with fear; hasted away for fear of destruction, for fear took hold on them as pains seize on a woman in travail. Those who came to destroy were glad to make their own escape.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 48:4
4. For, lo, the kings assembled themselves (R.V.): Sennacherib’s vassal kings (Isaiah 10:8) met at their rendezvous (cp. Psalms 2:2): they passed over together; uniting their forces they crossed the frontier and entered the land of Judah. Cp. Isaiah 8:7-8; Isaiah 28:15. The rendering passed away (R.V. marg.) is possible but unsuitable, for (1) assembled themselves needs some further explanation, and (2) it interrupts the order of the description: it is not until they have seen Jerusalem (Psalms 48:5) that they disperse in confusion. P.B.V. kings of the earth is from the Vulg. Cp. Psalms 76:12.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 48:4
For, lo, the kings were assembled - There is evidently allusion here to some fact that had occurred; some gathering together of kings and their armies, with a view to besiege or attack Jerusalem.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 48:4
4-8. In this division is noted the destruction of the people’s enemies. The kings were assembled—Pointing to a confederate army and a war council of the chiefs.
Sermons on Psalms 48:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Revelation) Part 1 the Scarlet Womans Future Judgement by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation Chapter 17 and the woman mentioned in the text. The woman is described as sitting upon many waters, representing peoples, nations |
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Nebuchadnezzar's Dream by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the prophetic unfolding in the Book of Daniel, focusing on the great pivotal chapter introducing the times of the Gentiles. The chapter reveals t |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 7:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith teaches about the significance of the word of God and the identity of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus is Emmanuel, God dwelling among man, |
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Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding Isaiah's prophecies in the context of the surrounding nations that influenced Israel's history. He explains how Judah and |
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Isaiah Chapter 5 Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding the geopolitical context of Isaiah's prophecies, particularly the neighboring nations that influenced Israel and Judah. He |
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The Folly of Ahaz by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the historical context of the reign of King Ahaz and the events that occurred during a 16-year period. He emphasizes the importance of underst |
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Dvd 33 the Theocratic Kingdom by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the mystery of Israel's restoration and its inseparable connection to the establishment of God's rule on earth through a lite |